This study indicated the role of coping strategies and social support in enhancing PTG in Japanese women with BC. Furthermore, perceived social support, a positive approach coping style, and PTG may reduce depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that health care professionals should consider whether patients receive enough support from others, and whether the patients are using the appropriate coping style to adapt to stressors associated with the diagnosis and treatment of BC.

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Objective: This study aims to reveal the present situation of changes in physical appearance induced by treatment, the effects of these changes on social activities, and support from medical staff in male cancer patients. Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to 949 male patients (response rate: 90.1%) visiting the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo over 3 days in January 2015. Results: The final respondents were 823 patients (mean age: 65.3, standard deviation (SD) = 12.32). Fifty-two percent of the sample, and 79.4% of patients aged under 65 were employed. A total of 84.9% experienced changes in physical appearance, and the highest mean scores of psychological were observed for stoma (3.1) and skin eczema (2.9). A total of 66.4% reported no difference in daily life even after their physical appearance changed. However, patients younger than 65 years old who were employed experienced high social difficulties (12.5%). Many wanted to stop going to work and experienced severe distress in their social lives; 74.1% reported it is important to have the same physical appearance at work as before treatment. The majority of patients obtained information from doctors (35.2%) and consulted with their wife or partner (66.2%) regarding their appearance changes, and 5.7% did not have anyone to consult with. Conclusion: This study clarified important aspects for supporting male cancer patients: timing, content, target audience and steps of information provision. Appropriate information provision from medical staff prior to treatment can be useful in preparing patients for physical appearance changes and decreasing the severity of symptoms.

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